Can you get a D.U.I. on a horse?

You can’t technically get a D.U.I on a horse because you aren’t driving. You can however get a R.U.I. Riding Under the Influence. You may not get arrested for it either. But in a lot of cases you will get arrested for animal cruelty. Take this for example :

Two men in Austin Texas were arrested on January 13, 2011. Jose Rios and Samuel Olivo were arrested for riding a horse and a mule in downtown Austin. They were trying to coax people into taking pictures with them and their animals. Police “pulled” them over to take a sobriety test, Jose was so intoxicated that he was unable to finish the test. The police arrested the pair for Driving While Intoxicated (D.W.I.) and the animals were taken to animal control. One of the men was so intoxicated that he had to be hospitalized for alcohol poisoning. The charges were dropped to public intoxication, but I doubt they will ever do that again.

This photo is by ktylerconk

This is different from a getting arrested for R.U.I. on a bike because even if you lose consciousness, the animal will continue walking. As for riding a bike, you would probably just fall over.

This post was written by Mary Schlanger. Mary is fourteen years old and going into her freshman year of high school. She loves to read and write. She plays trumpet and French horn in her school band (yes, she is a band geek) and her favorite food is egg burritos!

Our teen intern Mary discusses the issue of whether you can get a DUI on a horse. What do you think? http://fb.me/xkpeM3b6

Askthejudge.info

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 at 12:41

New blog post: Can you get a D.U.I. on a horse? – You can't technically get a D.U.I on a horse because you aren't dr… http://ow.ly/1dYCJ2

Oklahoma City Divorce Attorney Matt Ingham

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 at 01:38

Technically, legally speaking you cannot be arrested for DUI, but you can still be arrested for public intoxication.It would depend on the definition of “driving” under your local & state laws.

Heather B

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 at 08:46

A DUI from riding a horse???…never heard of that before

Beth W.

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 at 09:09

It would depend on the definition of ‘driving’. Would an RUI law apply to riding a bicycle I wonder???Good point, Beth. There are laws across the country regarding recreational activities when mixed with alcohol or other drugs – all barred as illegal.

Vicki

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 at 06:46

A DUI while riding a horse??? What’ll they think up next

Beth S.

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 at 01:18

In regards to operating a vehicle (or animal) while intoxicated, we need to have laws in effect that impose tough penalties on the guilty individuals.

Pam

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 at 05:56

DUIs are expensive. I’m going to bet that RUIs are just as expensive.You’re probably right but the community service includes mucking out stalls and fines can be paid in oats & carrots.

Michael Olson

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 at 10:27

I would guess the same laws would apply to operating a bicycle while intoxicated but here is a better question-
What if you are sober but the horse is intoxicated?

it is not impossible that you have to be in a car to get a DUI / DWI Charges. As long as you harm the safety of the public because of the influence of alcohol then the Law will give you the corresponding sanction.Thank you for your input, Ash. Some states have included riding, biking, boating and flying in their DUI statutes. However, most states have a separate statute for boating under the influence. Everyone should look to the specific laws in their state. Thanks again for your comment.
(This is information only – not legal advice.)

Divorce Lawyers Tulsa

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 at 09:00

I have never heard of someone being charged with a DUI while riding a horse but it makes sense though.

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